List of Options for Keeping Our Patient’s Dental Health Safe While Traveling

01 Aug List of Options for Keeping Our Patient’s Dental Health Safe While Traveling

Summertime is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than to take a family trip! Many of our patients come back from their vacations with exciting stories from their coastal getaways, or delightful summaries of their restful, quiet family times. But there are those vacationers who return home and call our office in a panic due to a dental issue that occurred while on vacation. How can accidents be prevented? How can dental precautions be taken on vacations? At Prescott Dentistry, we have the following list of 4 tips for safe dental health while traveling.

1. If you have a dental issue that you’re aware of, make sure you see the dentist before your trip, rather than waiting to resolve it. No one wants to lose a filling on vacation, or crack a tooth that has long needed to be fixed. Seeing your dentist beforehand will avoid dental problems that can dampen the joy of your time away. And you might want to consider a pre-trip dental cleaning if it’s been awhile since your last visit. That way your teeth will sparkle for your special trip.
2. Keep your dentist’s contact information in your phone or wallet. If something comes up while on your trip, you’ll be able to call your dentist for advice on whether your issue can wait until you’re home, or whether it needs to be resolved by a dentist office near you. Instead of feeling stressed, calling your dentist to discuss your needs can alleviate the pressure of not knowing what to do and your dentist can help you figure out if it’s a situation needing immediate attention or not.
3. If you’re flying to your destination, you may want to head to your local drugstore and buy a mini travel kit. Drugstores often have small, flight-approved kits that include a toothbrush, a mini toothpaste, and sometimes a small bottle of mouthwash and some dental floss. TSA requires that all toothpastes be under 3.4oz, so grabbing a small travel kit will ensure that you’re within size regulations for your flight. And that way, your teeth can be well taken care without having the hassle of buying new toothbrushes and toothpaste when arriving to your destination. But whether you pick up a ready-made travel kit or not, the most important thing is to pack all the necessary items for taking good care of your teeth while on your trip—a toothbrush, toothpaste for each person, and plenty of floss for the whole family.
4. Consider packing gum for your trip too. Believe it or not, the American Dental Association has done studies and found that many sugar-free gums are not only safe for your teeth but actually help fight against cavities (American Dental Association, 2018). Gum stimulates natural saliva which helps flush out food particles and bacterial plaque, which means healthier teeth and better smelling breath.

At Prescott Dentistry, we’ll be glad to book appointments in advance of your vacation. Call ahead to be sure there are time slots available. If you have any questions about your dental health prior to your time away, give us a call and let us check it out so you can experience a relaxing, worry-free vacation. So, there you have it, folks, our list of 4 dental tips for a worry-free vacation. And wherever you wander for this summer’s excursion, may it be safe, fun, and enjoyable!